The Dutch government said today that it would allocate over €950m to help compensate businesses and individuals for the surge in petrol prices since the outbreak of war between the US and Iran.
“Energy prices are expected to remain high for the time being, even if the conflict in the Middle East should end soon,” the government said in a statement.
“Households and businesses are already feeling the impact,” it said, adding that they would be the priority for a first package of measures worth €627m.
A further €340m will be unlocked by cuts to business charges, to be financed by higher taxes on other items, in particular alcohol.
The Dutch government also activated today the first phase of its crisis plan in case of “imminent” fuel shortages as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked to Gulf oil shipments since the war erupted in late February, sending oil and natural gas prices soaring.
It said that while there were currently no “acute” petrol shortages in the Netherlands, it was mobilising government agencies and industrial players in case “the situation deteriorates”.
